There’s nothing like a good show to put you in a good mood. But only an amazing show can make you feel excited and disappointed at the same time. It happened at Lanvin today. In fact it happens at Lanvin regularly. I watched, I scribbled notes excitedly—the key looks, the best pieces—and then had that sinking feeling when I realized I will write about the show, trends and showstoppers, but never will any of this be mine. I won’t feel the weight of the beaded shorts on my legs. I won’t swish through Paris in a pleated silk skirt that deserves nothing less than swishing. I won’t strut with equally fabulous girlfriends in matching silk trenches. Oh I could get a group of friends together, but we won’t awe and intimidate like the five stunners in jungle prints that Alber Elbaz sent out to close the show. I loved the collection, however, and if 50+ looks can inspire a girl to change her ways, save money and treat herself to something fantastic, then fashion is doing its job.